Otolaryngology is a medical specialty that focuses on the ears, nose, and throat, including surgery on the head and neck. It has subspecialties such as rhinology, otology, and laryngology. Training includes four years of medical school and residency in head and neck surgery. Board certification is optional.
Otolaryngology is a medical specialty that focuses on the ears, nose, and throat. It is also sometimes referred to as otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, as otolaryngologists are qualified to perform surgery on the delicate and complex tissues of the head and neck. An otolaryngology practitioner may also be called an ear, nose and throat doctor or otolaryngologist for short. In addition to the general medical specialty of otolaryngology, physicians may also focus on a variety of subspecialties dedicated to specific head and neck regions or particular systemic medical problems.
This medical specialty dates back to the 19th century, when doctors recognized that the head and neck have a number of interconnected systems. Doctors developed techniques and tools for looking at the structures of the head and neck, and a medical specialty was born. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, this specialty is the oldest medical specialty in the United States. The Academy also maintains an extensive museum covering otolaryngology topics dating back to Greek times.
An otolaryngologist who specializes in the nose is known as a rhinologist, while otolaryngologists who focus on the ears are called otologists. An ENT may also focus on throat disorders alone, in which case the doctor is called a laryngologist. Others specialize in reconstructive surgery, facial plastic surgery, sleep disorders, pediatric ear, nose and throat conditions, and head and neck cancers. ENT doctors use instruments such as otoscopes and laryngoscopes to examine their patients; these medical devices have also spilled over into other medical practices, as they are useful diagnostic tools.
Patients can go directly to an ear, nose and throat doctor if they have any medical conditions that affect the head and neck. Other doctors may also refer patients to an otolaryngologist if they feel they cannot cure the patient’s condition. Some doctors in pediatric otolaryngology and reconstructive surgery also generously donate their time abroad to repair common medical problems such as cleft lip and palate in developing countries.
Training in this medical specialty includes four years of medical school, followed by a brief residency in general surgery and then a residency focused on head and neck surgery. Physicians who wish to pursue subspecialties must take fellowships that offer additional training. Once fully trained, an otolaryngologist can apply for board certification in the specialty, although board certification is not required for medical practice.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
